England, Australia Test downplayed

SOUTHAMPTON – Cricket’s oldest rivals, England and Australia, meet in the first of five One-Day Internationals at the Rose Bowl today but the series is struggling to capture the imagination of the English public, the media and even one of its players.Though England’s Paul Collingwood spoke on Sunday of the need to play hard, aggressive cricket against the Australians, his message was undermined by the indifference of fast bowler James Anderson.“I don’t think it matters that we’re playing Australia,” a distinctly off-message Anderson said. “I dont think there’s a need for five One-Day Internationals at this time. It would be a perfect time to be playing for our counties but it’s out of our hands.” (AP)